0:00 A Nobel Prize
5:16 Paula on using microRNA as a biomarker in non small cell lung cancer
9:03 Tim on using microRNA to study canine bladder cancer and urinary tract infection
12:33 RNA vs DNA
15:05 How advanced tools enabled this story such as NGS and digital PCR?
19:38 A lot of potential but translation to clinic will take a lot more standardization
26:45 When can we expect an RNA-based diagnostic test?
In this episode, Theral delves into the groundbreaking role of microRNA as a cancer biomarker with Tim Williams, professor of clinical pathology at the University of Cambridge Veterinary School, and Paola Ulivi, a leading researcher at the Instituto Romagnolo Per Lo Studio Dei Tumori Dino Amadori (IRST) in Italy. MicroRNA, which recently garnered its discoverers a Nobel Prize, has emerged as a powerful tool for detecting and tracking cancer progression.
Williams and Ulivi share their latest research, highlighting how microRNA’s rise in cancer diagnostics parallels the evolution of fragmentomics, which analyzes cell-free and circulating tumor DNA. We explore the key differences between using RNA and DNA in biomarker development, the advancements in tools driving these discoveries, and the timeline for microRNA-based diagnostic tests to reach clinical practice.
“There’s a lot of potential,” says Ulivi, “but the challenge in translating this into clinical practice will be the standardization and normalization of the process."
Join us as we discuss the promise, obstacles, and future of microRNA in transforming how we diagnose and treat cancer.
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